Narc-Kenya Party Leader Martha Karua accused President William Ruto of being behind a series of abductions that have taken place across Kenya in the past six months. Karua’s claims, made during an exclusive interview with Citizen TV, sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as she alleged that the Head of State was running a covert “killer gang” comprising both Kenyans and foreigners, including individuals with military experience.
Karua did not hold back in her accusations, directly pointing the finger at President Ruto, suggesting that such a widespread operation could only be orchestrated by the country’s highest office. “I believe that William Ruto is behind the abductions because you cannot mention the state and fail to mention who is at the helm,” Karua stated. Her remarks were a stark indictment of the President, alleging that Ruto’s government had facilitated an illegal and dangerous operation targeting innocent civilians.
According to Karua, the abduction squad, which she claimed operates outside the police force, includes not only Kenyan citizens but also foreigners, particularly from neighboring countries like Uganda and Burundi. These individuals, many of whom have military backgrounds, allegedly work independently from the police, with a command structure that is separate from the usual law enforcement apparatus. Karua went as far as to suggest that these foreign mercenaries cross into Kenya without proper documentation or adherence to extradition protocols, adding a layer of complexity and suspicion to the situation.
One of the most controversial aspects of Karua’s interview was her claim that these abductions were being carried out in a “gangster-style” manner. “No wonder they don’t introduce themselves when abducting citizens,” Karua remarked, underscoring the unaccountability and secrecy that supposedly surrounds these operations. She also referenced the case of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who she claimed was arrested in Kenya by Ugandan military operatives working in collaboration with Kenyan authorities.
The Narc-Kenya leader expressed particular concern about the abduction of young people, especially those who engage in online dissent or satire. Karua was vocal in her disapproval of the government’s approach to dealing with such individuals, stating, “He would not be abducting young people just because they created satire on social media. It’s not a criminal offense; it might be distasteful, but it’s not worth harming them over.” She called on President Ruto to develop thicker skin, advising him, “If you want to sit in the highest position in this country, you must arm yourself with asbestos. Don’t easily catch fire.”
In response to these serious allegations, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja rejected claims of police involvement in abductions, emphasizing that police forces operate within the law. “Police do not abduct; we arrest. When we arrest, we take suspects to court. If there is a case of abduction reported at our police stations, ours is to investigate and ensure justice is served,” Kanja stated. His comments sought to clarify the distinction between formal arrests made by the police and criminal acts of abduction, which he stressed were punishable by law.
Kanja also underlined the collaborative nature of Kenya’s security apparatus, noting that the police work closely with agencies such as the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to maintain law and order. He defended the professionalism of the National Police Service, saying, “Security is not just about the police; it is a collective effort. We depend on intelligence to keep the country safe.”
As the debate surrounding the abductions continues to unfold, it is clear that the allegations made by Karua have put the government on the defensive. The accusations raise serious questions about the rule of law in Kenya and the conduct of its security agencies, with Karua calling for accountability and transparency in addressing these grave concerns. Whether the government will provide further clarification on the matter remains to be seen, but the issue has undoubtedly sparked heated discussions across the nation.
